Negotiations between Governor Rell and General Assembly leaders on "budget implementation" legislation have stalled, and the Governor's veto of a revenue bill last week has raised questions about further cuts in the budget that was adopted.

As CCM reported last week, the legislature has passed a bond package that, among other things, was intended to fund Town Aid Roads at $30 million (level funding from last year) but which, due to a drafting error, only provides $22 million. The additional $8 million authorization has been placed into a "general government implementation" bill – but is in limbo due to the impasse. Also not yet passed are provisions that would delay implementation of the in-school suspension mandate by one year, and phase-in the "raise the age" juvenile justice law. CCM will continue efforts to make sure these are included in the final versions of any legislation passed.

The legislature did pass a "public health implementation" bill that provides local-health funding only for (a) single-municipal health departments that serve more than 50,000 people, and (b) regional districts that serve 50,000 people or at least three municipalities. No other health department would receive funding.

The "end game" of this Special Session is unclear. The legislature may return Wednesday or Thursday if negotiations can conclude before then. The Governor's veto of the $60 million revenue package means that amount of money is again in play – it will have to be found either by other revenue increases or by cuts in the budget passed a few weeks ago. As always, that means municipal grants will again be eyed as part of the solution.

The situation changes rapidly. CCM staff will keep you apprised as appropriate.

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Finley (jfinley@ccm-